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Coherence: A Near-Future AI Technothriller
Ruby fled her father and the oilfields of rural Colorado to study physics in Boston, determined to succeed where her late mother’s career collapsed. Now, as a graduate student developing a breakthrough theory of dark matter, she discovers her advisor has been rewriting her results to serve his own ambitions.
When Ruby falls for Noah, a postdoc recruited into a secretive AI project fighting climate disinformation, her ideas—and her family's past—are pulled into the crosshairs of a new kind of weapon, one capable of shaping what the world believes is true. As her advisor tightens his grip and Noah’s project spirals from whisper campaigns to global sabotage, Ruby realizes she’s caught in a battle for something far greater than her science. To stop the unraveling—of her career, of civilization, of truth itself—she must decide what she believes and what she is willing to sacrifice in a world where reality can be faked at any depth.
When Ruby falls for Noah, a postdoc recruited into a secretive AI project fighting climate disinformation, her ideas—and her family's past—are pulled into the crosshairs of a new kind of weapon, one capable of shaping what the world believes is true. As her advisor tightens his grip and Noah’s project spirals from whisper campaigns to global sabotage, Ruby realizes she’s caught in a battle for something far greater than her science. To stop the unraveling—of her career, of civilization, of truth itself—she must decide what she believes and what she is willing to sacrifice in a world where reality can be faked at any depth.
435 pages, ebook
Published December 8, 2025
21 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Parsons
2 books4 followersAaron Parsons is a professor of astrophysics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he designs and uses radio telescopes to search for the first stars in the universe.
His degrees include an AS from Colorado Northwestern Community College (earned while in high school), a BA from Harvard in Physics and Mathematics, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in Astrophysics. He has been nationally recognized with awards that include the NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Charles Towns Fellowship, the NSF CAREER Award, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers—the “highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.”
His degrees include an AS from Colorado Northwestern Community College (earned while in high school), a BA from Harvard in Physics and Mathematics, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in Astrophysics. He has been nationally recognized with awards that include the NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Charles Towns Fellowship, the NSF CAREER Award, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers—the “highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.”
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 8, 2025
"Disturbingly plausible" were the first words that came to mind after reading Coherence. The experience of the author is evident in both in the setting and in the solid foundation of the book.
It is a good book for those that like rational actors: Character motivations are consistent, and everything builds on previously given information (yes, that line you just read will have an impact in two or three hundred pages).
I enjoyed reading Coherence and I look forward to future novels by the author.
It is a good book for those that like rational actors: Character motivations are consistent, and everything builds on previously given information (yes, that line you just read will have an impact in two or three hundred pages).
I enjoyed reading Coherence and I look forward to future novels by the author.
December 8, 2025
I bought Coherence for a good friend who enjoys reading sci-fi, and is partial to good writing. I mostly enjoy non-fiction and some literature, but gave the book a quick read. Cutting to the chase, I enjoyed the read and am really looking forward to hearing back from my friend, once he’s read it.
I enjoyed Coherence for a couple reasons: first, it’s a good and well-written story, with a decent twist, and second, I learned a lot. The story reads well and begins to pick up about a third of the way through. I probably could have read it faster - except for that I paused periodically out of necessity, to Google science stuff, and paused - *not* out of necessity, to go down fun rabbit holes about other science stuffs the author describes.
Coherence is authored by a trained astrophysicist, so there is a fidelity to the quantum mechanics / AI that underpins the book, as well as to the general science that's scattered throughout. I found the technical descriptions to be super charming and mostly fun. As an example of the fidelity to ‘general science,’ in one bit, the author describes a gasoline fire that happens in a building … and literally describes the chemical and molecular reactions that cause ‘hydrocarbon chains [to] facture … [to create an] exothermic reaction … [in which the] carbon’s electronic transitions emit blue light, while dust and impurities glow yellow.”
The book is long(ish). And it’s more current-day sci-fi than it is some future / conceptual sci-fi; but that’s part of what made the read especially interesting. The characters are developed nicely. The plot moves along. And my penchant for non-fiction was satisfied by a healthy dose of it through the author’s thoughtful and technically accurate descriptions of quantum mechanics, AI, and other science concepts.
I enjoyed Coherence for a couple reasons: first, it’s a good and well-written story, with a decent twist, and second, I learned a lot. The story reads well and begins to pick up about a third of the way through. I probably could have read it faster - except for that I paused periodically out of necessity, to Google science stuff, and paused - *not* out of necessity, to go down fun rabbit holes about other science stuffs the author describes.
Coherence is authored by a trained astrophysicist, so there is a fidelity to the quantum mechanics / AI that underpins the book, as well as to the general science that's scattered throughout. I found the technical descriptions to be super charming and mostly fun. As an example of the fidelity to ‘general science,’ in one bit, the author describes a gasoline fire that happens in a building … and literally describes the chemical and molecular reactions that cause ‘hydrocarbon chains [to] facture … [to create an] exothermic reaction … [in which the] carbon’s electronic transitions emit blue light, while dust and impurities glow yellow.”
The book is long(ish). And it’s more current-day sci-fi than it is some future / conceptual sci-fi; but that’s part of what made the read especially interesting. The characters are developed nicely. The plot moves along. And my penchant for non-fiction was satisfied by a healthy dose of it through the author’s thoughtful and technically accurate descriptions of quantum mechanics, AI, and other science concepts.
January 18, 2026
Coherence is a sharp, intellectually grounded technothriller that explores the fragile boundary between truth and manipulation in a near future shaped by artificial intelligence. Aaron Parsons blends hard science, ethical tension, and emotional stakes into a narrative that feels both speculative and disturbingly plausible.
At the center of the novel is Ruby, a physics graduate student whose pursuit of dark matter research becomes entangled with academic exploitation, institutional ambition, and the misuse of knowledge. Her struggle against an advisor who quietly appropriates her work provides a powerful parallel to the larger themes of control, authorship, and distortion that unfold as the story widens.
The novel gains additional momentum through Noah and the covert AI project designed to combat climate disinformation. As this effort escalates from subtle influence to large-scale manipulation, Coherence interrogates not just the technology itself, but the moral frameworks surrounding it. Parsons asks difficult questions about who gets to decide what is true, how easily good intentions slide into authoritarian logic, and what happens when reality itself becomes programmable.
What sets Coherence apart is its balance of concept and character. The science is rigorous without becoming opaque, and the emotional stakes career, love, legacy, and belief anchor the story in human consequence. Timely, unsettling, and intellectually ambitious, Coherence will resonate strongly with readers of near future science fiction and technothrillers concerned with AI, misinformation, and the erosion of shared reality.
At the center of the novel is Ruby, a physics graduate student whose pursuit of dark matter research becomes entangled with academic exploitation, institutional ambition, and the misuse of knowledge. Her struggle against an advisor who quietly appropriates her work provides a powerful parallel to the larger themes of control, authorship, and distortion that unfold as the story widens.
The novel gains additional momentum through Noah and the covert AI project designed to combat climate disinformation. As this effort escalates from subtle influence to large-scale manipulation, Coherence interrogates not just the technology itself, but the moral frameworks surrounding it. Parsons asks difficult questions about who gets to decide what is true, how easily good intentions slide into authoritarian logic, and what happens when reality itself becomes programmable.
What sets Coherence apart is its balance of concept and character. The science is rigorous without becoming opaque, and the emotional stakes career, love, legacy, and belief anchor the story in human consequence. Timely, unsettling, and intellectually ambitious, Coherence will resonate strongly with readers of near future science fiction and technothrillers concerned with AI, misinformation, and the erosion of shared reality.
January 7, 2026
Coherence is a gripping near-future technothriller that blends cutting-edge science with a deeply human story about ambition, integrity, and the fragility of truth. Aaron Parsons crafts a high-stakes narrative where physics, artificial intelligence, and climate disinformation collide in ways that feel both terrifyingly plausible and emotionally grounded.
Ruby is a compelling protagonist, brilliant, driven, and vulnerable. Her struggle against academic exploitation mirrors the larger themes of the novel: who controls knowledge, who benefits from truth manipulation, and what happens when belief itself becomes a weapon. Parsons excels at showing how personal betrayal and global consequences can stem from the same abuse of power.
The novel’s tension escalates expertly as AI-driven disinformation evolves from subtle influence to outright destabilization. The stakes feel urgent without tipping into exaggeration, making Coherence especially resonant in a world already grappling with deepfakes, climate denial, and weaponized narratives.
Thought-provoking and relentlessly engaging, Coherence is more than a thriller, it’s a warning about how easily reality can be bent when technology outpaces ethics. Fans of intelligent, science-forward fiction will find this a standout read that lingers long after the final page.
Ruby is a compelling protagonist, brilliant, driven, and vulnerable. Her struggle against academic exploitation mirrors the larger themes of the novel: who controls knowledge, who benefits from truth manipulation, and what happens when belief itself becomes a weapon. Parsons excels at showing how personal betrayal and global consequences can stem from the same abuse of power.
The novel’s tension escalates expertly as AI-driven disinformation evolves from subtle influence to outright destabilization. The stakes feel urgent without tipping into exaggeration, making Coherence especially resonant in a world already grappling with deepfakes, climate denial, and weaponized narratives.
Thought-provoking and relentlessly engaging, Coherence is more than a thriller, it’s a warning about how easily reality can be bent when technology outpaces ethics. Fans of intelligent, science-forward fiction will find this a standout read that lingers long after the final page.
January 8, 2026
Coherence is a gripping and unsettling technothriller that feels uncomfortably close to the present moment. Aaron Parsons blends hard science, emotional stakes, and geopolitical tension into a narrative that explores how truth itself can become a weapon.
Ruby is a compelling protagonist, driven by intellect, grief, and a fierce need to reclaim both her scientific work and her sense of self. The academic power imbalance surrounding her research is rendered with chilling realism, while the parallel AI storyline escalates the novel from personal betrayal into global consequence. What makes the book especially effective is how seamlessly it connects intimate human motivations with large scale technological manipulation.
Parsons does not rely on speculative excess. The AI driven disinformation, climate narratives, and institutional ambition feel plausible, even inevitable, which gives the story its lasting impact. Coherence asks difficult questions about authorship, belief, and responsibility in a world where reality can be engineered, and answers them with tension, intelligence, and urgency.
A smart, timely read for fans of near future science fiction, AI thrillers, and socially grounded speculative fiction.
Ruby is a compelling protagonist, driven by intellect, grief, and a fierce need to reclaim both her scientific work and her sense of self. The academic power imbalance surrounding her research is rendered with chilling realism, while the parallel AI storyline escalates the novel from personal betrayal into global consequence. What makes the book especially effective is how seamlessly it connects intimate human motivations with large scale technological manipulation.
Parsons does not rely on speculative excess. The AI driven disinformation, climate narratives, and institutional ambition feel plausible, even inevitable, which gives the story its lasting impact. Coherence asks difficult questions about authorship, belief, and responsibility in a world where reality can be engineered, and answers them with tension, intelligence, and urgency.
A smart, timely read for fans of near future science fiction, AI thrillers, and socially grounded speculative fiction.
December 21, 2025
🫶{DM to get featured}🫶
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🌈Post Description: Blending speculative science with ethical tension, Coherence offers a gripping exploration of what happens when knowledge becomes a battleground. Aaron Parsons places readers inside a world where dark-matter research, AI propaganda, and personal ambition intersect with alarming consequences. Ruby’s fight to reclaim her work and her voice drives a narrative that feels urgent and deeply relevant.
The storytelling is sharp and well-paced, pulling readers through academic intrigue, romantic vulnerability, and global-scale threats with ease. Parsons’ command of scientific detail enhances credibility while never overwhelming the story. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its moral complexity—there are no easy heroes, only difficult choices in a manipulated world.
Thought-provoking and intensely readable, Coherence will appeal to readers who enjoy intelligent fiction that reflects real societal anxieties. It’s a powerful debut that earns its praise and deserves a spot on your bookshelf. 📚⚡
.
👉 Follow: @aaronrparsons
.
🫶{DM to get featured}🫶
.
✨ Hashtag: #books #bookstagram #book
.
🌈Post Description: Blending speculative science with ethical tension, Coherence offers a gripping exploration of what happens when knowledge becomes a battleground. Aaron Parsons places readers inside a world where dark-matter research, AI propaganda, and personal ambition intersect with alarming consequences. Ruby’s fight to reclaim her work and her voice drives a narrative that feels urgent and deeply relevant.
The storytelling is sharp and well-paced, pulling readers through academic intrigue, romantic vulnerability, and global-scale threats with ease. Parsons’ command of scientific detail enhances credibility while never overwhelming the story. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its moral complexity—there are no easy heroes, only difficult choices in a manipulated world.
Thought-provoking and intensely readable, Coherence will appeal to readers who enjoy intelligent fiction that reflects real societal anxieties. It’s a powerful debut that earns its praise and deserves a spot on your bookshelf. 📚⚡
.
👉 Follow: @aaronrparsons
.
🫶{DM to get featured}🫶
.
✨ Hashtag: #books #bookstagram #book
January 6, 2026
Coherence is a gripping and intellectually ambitious technothriller that blends cutting edge science with high stakes ethical tension. Aaron Parsons delivers a compelling near future narrative that feels both plausible and urgent, grounding global threats in the deeply personal journey of its protagonist, Ruby. Her struggle to claim ownership of her scientific work while navigating academic exploitation adds emotional weight to an already fast paced story.
What sets Coherence apart is its thoughtful exploration of truth in an age of artificial intelligence and disinformation. The intersection of physics, AI, and climate manipulation is handled with clarity and sophistication, never sacrificing narrative momentum. The escalating stakes from academic betrayal to global destabilization are expertly paced, and the moral questions linger well beyond the final page. Coherence is a smart,immersive thriller that will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy science driven suspense with real world relevance.
What sets Coherence apart is its thoughtful exploration of truth in an age of artificial intelligence and disinformation. The intersection of physics, AI, and climate manipulation is handled with clarity and sophistication, never sacrificing narrative momentum. The escalating stakes from academic betrayal to global destabilization are expertly paced, and the moral questions linger well beyond the final page. Coherence is a smart,immersive thriller that will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy science driven suspense with real world relevance.
January 6, 2026
Coherence is a sharp, fast-paced technothriller that explores the fragile boundary between truth and manipulation in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Aaron Parsons blends cutting edge science with political and emotional stakes, creating a story that feels alarmingly plausible. Ruby’s journey from ambitious physics graduate student to unwilling participant in a global information war anchors the narrative with intelligence and urgency.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its fusion of personal betrayal and systemic threat. The misuse of scientific research, the weaponization of disinformation, and the moral ambiguity surrounding AI are woven seamlessly into the plot. Parsons balances technical complexity with narrative momentum, delivering a thriller that is both intellectually engaging and relentlessly suspenseful. Coherence is a timely exploration of power, belief, and the cost of truth in the digital age.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its fusion of personal betrayal and systemic threat. The misuse of scientific research, the weaponization of disinformation, and the moral ambiguity surrounding AI are woven seamlessly into the plot. Parsons balances technical complexity with narrative momentum, delivering a thriller that is both intellectually engaging and relentlessly suspenseful. Coherence is a timely exploration of power, belief, and the cost of truth in the digital age.
December 9, 2025
Although it is set in the near-future and is most concerned with the unsettling machinations of a powerful tech-fueled conspiracy, Coherence is very much about our present moment. Its writing ties together many elements - quantum physics, computing, medicine, nature, academics - in a way that deftly illuminates what has led the world to where we are, and where we might be headed next.
It's an often-thrilling, always fascinating book that reminded me of The Martian in the way it weaves (a ton of) real science into the narrative. This is not surprising, as Parsons is a real-life astrophysicist; what might be surprising is how well he has constructed a world and characters that the reader comes to care about, and how polished his prose is. It's the kind of book that entertains you so much you don't even notice how much smarter you feel until after you've put it down. Well worth the read.
It's an often-thrilling, always fascinating book that reminded me of The Martian in the way it weaves (a ton of) real science into the narrative. This is not surprising, as Parsons is a real-life astrophysicist; what might be surprising is how well he has constructed a world and characters that the reader comes to care about, and how polished his prose is. It's the kind of book that entertains you so much you don't even notice how much smarter you feel until after you've put it down. Well worth the read.
December 9, 2025
Coherence is a refreshing exploration of misinformation and morality, with fascinating observations of academic life thrown in. The ideas underpinning Coherence are written about in a way such that they are accessible to any reader, but they come together to create a rich and complex dystopian near-future that gets under your skin. A really original, nuanced and gripping story - I found myself really rooting for Ruby, always excited to read the next chapter. What more can you ask of a book than that?
December 21, 2025
Brilliant and thought-provoking.
This book weaves two of the most critical aspects impacting humanities’ future — human-driven climate change and artificial intelligence — into a gripping human tale. This thoughtful work explores these concepts in the context of higher education, a world in which the author has first-hand experience as a world-leading astrophysicist. I certainly hope that we can read more about this saga in future works.
This book weaves two of the most critical aspects impacting humanities’ future — human-driven climate change and artificial intelligence — into a gripping human tale. This thoughtful work explores these concepts in the context of higher education, a world in which the author has first-hand experience as a world-leading astrophysicist. I certainly hope that we can read more about this saga in future works.
December 8, 2025
Parsons deftly and cannily teases apart many tangled threads of modernity’s perils, and manages, with limpid prose and affecting wisdom, to weave them back together into a cracking yarn. A most impressive debut!
December 9, 2025
Coherence reads like Weir crossed with William Gibson and Peter Watts, plausible science with cyberpunk and dystopian ramifications. The author is an astrophysicist and a professor so he writes the science accessibly enough for the reader to follow along and feel smart too.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews